Garage Door Repair - Roller Fix Tips

If you notice that your garage door is having trouble rolling up or down, it just may be time to take a look at the rollers. Depending on what the exact issue is, you may be required to do anything from a simple lubrication to a full replacement. Whatever the situation, in many cases, homeowners are able to easily tackle the job on their own. In this article, we’ll outline this essential garage door repair tactic front to back.

Step 1 – If your unit is automatic, you’ll need to unplug it prior to inspection.

Step 2 – Take the time to familiarize yourself with the various parts that make up the unit. Rollers are used to guide the unit open and shut and are attached to the door with hinges. They are situated on a track which is attached to the frame of the structure via mounting brackets.

Step 3 – Use a household cleaner to clean the rollers and tracks and remove any dirt or debris found there. Allow them to dry.

Step 4 – Inspect the hinges and replace any that appear bent. To remove the hinges, put the door in the up position and secure it by placing clamps beneath the roller at the bottom so it stays in place. Support the door with a 2x4 and remove the hinge.

Step 5 – Inspect the rollers and replace any that have been deemed worn.

Step 6 – Loose screws must be tightened along with nuts and bolts on all hardware.

Step 7 – Lubricate rollers and tracks with a spray or oil. Powered graphite works best on tracks. Household oils or silicone sprays tend to work best for rollers.

Step 8 – Make sure that each track is even through the use of a level. If you find the track is not plumb, unscrew the mounting bracket bolts just a little, and tap lightly with a hammer to set into the correct place. Once you’ve moved the track to the correct spot, tighten all bolts.

Step 9 – Make sure that each track is the same height as the other. If the tracks are uneven, the mounting bracket placement may require adjustments. Mounting brackets attach the tracks to the house structure.

If you find yourself in a situation you are unsure of, or think you may be in over your head, your best bet is to call a qualified garage door technician to evaluate the situation. He or she will best be able to diagnose the problem and make the necessary recommendations to get your unit up and running again.